A heroic firefighter who worked tirelessly during the 9/11 terrorist attacks has died, becoming the 124th officer to die as a result of breathing in toxic air at Ground Zero.

61-year-old and father-of-three, Brian J Masterson, died this week from esophageal cancer. A disease which has been directly linked to him being exposed to the dust during the 2001 attack and in the months following.

Brian was one of numerous first respondents who’ve been diagnosed with the disease as a result of their bravery on that infamous day.

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Tributes were made to the firefighter, originally from Lissavaddy, Co Longford, Ireland, at his funeral this Friday in Walden New York. Founder of the 9/11 Rescue Workers and Friends Forum Group, Claudia E. Thomas, spoke of Brian’s legacy.

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She said:

9/11 FDNY Responder Brian Masterson was the Captain of his soul and of the hearts of those who knew him.A member of Engine 93 Ladder 45 Battalion 13 in Washington Heights, and later Marine 9 (Fireboat II).

His life was dedicated to the job he loved and started out in back in 1990 and survived several life threatening emergencies.But such is the metal of one like Brian, who passed January 22, 2017, from related cancer, age 61. ‘Fair winds and following seas’ brother!

In the 15 years since the attack 124 firefighters have died as a result of the attacks James Slevin, President of the Unified Fire Authority, claimed.

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Mr Selvn added:Â

The deaths of Ret. FF. Brian Masterson and FF. Kevin Rooney are unfortunate reminders that New York City Firefighters and other first respondents continue to suffer from the aftermaths of 9/11.

Brian is survived by his wife Mary Masterson, two daughters Barbara and Shanon Masterson, son Joseph Masterson and his granddaughter Sienna.